USOO7146084B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,146,084 B2

Atac et al. (45) Date of Patent: Dec. 5, 2006
(54) FIBER OPTIC LIGHT SOURCE FOR 5,506,408 A 4, 1996 Vickers et al. .............. 250,366
DISPLAY DEVICES 5,526,170 A 6/1996 Esman et al. ............... 359,279
5,534,694. A 7/1996 Ball et al. ................... 250/330
(75) Inventors: Robert Atac, Batavia, IL (US); Todd 5,642,227 A 6/1997 Rallison .... ... 359,631
Ashcraft, Aurora, IL (US) 5,673,151 A 9, 1997 Rallison ..................... 359,631
5,724.463 A 3/1998 Deacon et al. ................ 385/27
(73) Assignee: CMC Electronics, Inc. (CA) 5,783,829 A 7/1998 Sealock et al. ............. 250/367
5,793,046 A * 8/1998 Jeffers et al. ............... 250,364
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 5,835,458. A 1 1/1998 Bischel et al. ........... 369/44.12
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 5,876.262 A 3/1999 Kelly et al. ................. 446,118
U.S.C. 154(b) by 56 days. 5,905,263 A * 5/1999 Nishizawa et al. ......... 250,368
5,911,018 A 6/1999 Bischel et al. ................ 385, 16
(21) Appl. No.: 10/462,468
(22) Filed: Jun. 16, 2003
(Continued)

US 2004/O25294.0 A1 Dec. 16, 2004 FR O 280 584 8, 1988

(51) Int. Cl.

GO2B 6/04 (2006.01)
GO2B 2L/00 (2006.01) (Continued)
GO2B 27/14 (2006.01) OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(52) U.S. Cl. ......................... 385/115; 385/116; 3.85/14:
3.85/1:385/901; 385/32: 362/13; 362/34; Web page: Fluorescent Optical Fiber (Flexible) with up to /3"
362/237; 362/.557; 35.9/13: 359/630 Diameter (PATENTED), pp. 1-3, May 28, 2004.*
(58) Field of Classification Search .................. 385/31, Continued
385/115, 116, 119, 120, 133, 15, 30, 32, 901, (Continued)
385/1, 2, 3, 14, 88, 89, 16, 17, 18, 24, 42: Primary Examiner Brian M. Healy
362/13, 34, 237; 345/8; 35.9/13, 630; 398/111, (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Bromberg & Sunstein LLP
398/112, 113, 42, 48
See application file for complete search history. (57) ABSTRACT
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS A light source includes at least one optical fiber having a
length and first and second ends and at least one electro
4,280,766 A 7/1981 Goss et al. ................. 356/350 magnetic wave source disposed along at least a portion of
4,467,292 A 8/1984 Ajioka et al. ... ... 333/24.1 the length of the fiber for transmitting electromagnetic
4,764,984. A * 8/1988 Franke et al. ............... 398,119 waves through a side surface of the fiber. A reflective surface
4,792,207 A 12/1988 Shaw et al. ..... ... 350/96.29
4,884,860 A 12/1989 Brown ........ ... 350/96.15 is disposed at the first end of the fiber for directing light
4,989,956 A * 2/1991 Wu et al. ..................... 349,71 generated within the fiber toward the second end. Aheads-up
5,111,326 A 5/1992 Ball ........................... 359,244 display can make effective use of the light source.
5,164,848. A 11/1992 Firth et al. .................... 359,13
5,276,758 A 1/1994 Hughes ...................... 385,116 41 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets

104. 104
 US 7,146,084 B2
Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 6,445,767 B1 9/2002 Karellas .................... 378.98.8

6,469,822 B1 10/2002 359,316
5,912,650 A 6/1999 Carollo .......................... 345/7 6,470,127 B1 10/2002 Voevodkin .................. 385,123
5,912,997 A 6, 1999 Bischel et al. . ... 385.15 6.512.231 B1* 1/2003 Moy .......................... 250,368
5,917,970 A 6, 1999 Burns et al. ... ... 385724 2002/0131465 A1 9, 2002 Lo et al. ...... ... 372.50
5.991,087 A 1 1/1999 Rallison ........... 359,631 2003/0007087 A1 1/2003 Hakamata et al. .......... 348/370
6,035,539 A 3, 2000 Hollenbach et al. .......... 33.241 2004/O195201 A1* 10, 2004 Chao et al. .................... 216.2
6,057,966 A 5/2000 Carroll et al. ....... 359,630
6,078,704 A 6, 2000 Bischel et al. .... ... 385/4 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
6,151,769 A 11/2000 Bliss et al. .... ... 29,600
6,163,309 A 12/2000 Weinert ...... 345/7 FR 265.3253 4f1991
6, 184969 B1 2/2001 Fergason .... 349,196
6,194,728 B1 2/2001 Bosnjakovic .. 250/370.11 OTHER PUBLICATIONS
6,232,602 B1 5/2001 Kerr ........... ... 250/330 Kuriki, et al., High-performance polymer optical fiber lasers and
6,243,055 B1 6/2001 Fergason . ... 345,32 amplifiers. In Organic Photonic Materials and DevicesII. Proceed
6,246,049 B1 6, 2001 Wirthlin ..... 250,229 ings of SPIE vol. 3939 (2000).
6,353,227 B1 3, 2002 Boxen ..... 250,363.1 Web page: Fluorescent Optical Fiber (Flexible) with up to /3"
6,356,164 B1 3/2002 Rowatt ....... 333,21 A Diameter (PATENTED), pp. 1-3, May 28, 2004.
6,384,400 B1 5/2002 Albagli et al. . 250,214 VT
6,394,585 B1 5/2002 Ross ........................... 347/54 * cited by examiner
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U.S. Patent US 7,146,084 B2
 US 7,146,084 B2
1.
FIBER OPTIC LIGHT SOURCE FOR
DISPLAY DEVICES
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to light sources and, in
particular, to light sources and other devices employing
optical fiber.
BACKGROUND ART
Standard clad optical fibers consist of a core having a high
refractive index that is clad with a material having a lower
refractive index. The mismatch of refractive indices sets the
conditions for total internal reflection and gives the fiber its
wave guiding properties. Multi-clad fibers have a second
layer of cladding, applied over the standard cladding. The
second layer has an even lower refractive index, thus per
mitting total internal reflection at a second boundary. Such
internal reflection allows optical fibers to transmit light from
one end of the optical fiber to the other. For example, when
a light is placed on one end of a fiber, the light is transmitted
to the other end of the fiber with a minimal amount of light
being lost due to absorption or emission along the fiber's
length. Standard optical fibers will only collect and keep
light that is somewhat aligned with the axis of the fiber. This
means that light that enters the fiber normal to the axis of the
fiber is not transmitted to the ends of the fiber.
Scintillating and wave shifting optical fibers can absorb
light entering the fiber and re-transmit light of a different
wavelength. This property can be exploited when using light
emitting diodes ("LEDs) or other sources to illuminate the
Scintillating and wave shifting optical fiber. Scintillating and
wave shifting optical fibers absorb light in one or more
bandwidths and re-emit light at longer wavelengths. For
example, a Scintillating or wave shifting optical fiber can
absorb UV light and emit green light. This absorption and
isotropic emission feature improves the efficiency of light
collection by the fiber.
Normally, Scintillating optical fibers consist of polysty
rene-based core, and a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
cladding. The Scintillating core of the fiber contains a
combination of fluorescent dopants, selected to produce the
desired Scintillation, optical and radiation-resistant charac
teristics. When a photon passes into the fiber, the energy is
absorbed and transferred into light of longer wavelength
through excitation of the fluorescent dyes added to the
plastic core. The excited light typically uniformly emits in
47L steradians. The portion of the emitted light within the
total internal reflection angle of the fiber is then guided down
the length of the fiber by total internal reflection from the
fiber cladding due to the cladding's lower refractive index.
Scintillating optical fibers are used for decoration, when
used for novelty or display items, or for radiation detection,
when used for industrial purposes. Such fibers are readily
available from Poly-Optical Products Inc., Eljen Technol
ogy, or from Bicron, a Business Unit of Saint-Gobain
Industrial Ceramics, Inc.
Projection display systems, such as heads-up displays
("HUDs) used in aircraft, use light modulators such as the
digital micro-mirror devices (“DMD), liquid crystal on
silicon (“LCOS) and various liquid crystal displays
(“LCDs). Such modulators, particularly when used in a
heads-up display wherein the image created must compete
with Sunlight, generally need a very high intensity and
Somewhat collimated light Source. One source for Such a
light is a laser. However, high power lasers are not rugged
2
or eye-safe, can be quite bulky, and are expensive. Light
modulators for Such displays also need nearly collimated
light spread over a relatively wide aperture. Beam-spreading
optics are often used to expand a laser beam into a colli
mated light beam of appropriate size to illuminate a light
modulator. The light modulator then controls the transmis
Sion, absorption or reflection of the light to projection optics
that create a real image on a screen or diffuser.
10 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first embodiment of the invention there is provided a
light source which includes at least one optical fiber having
a length and first and second ends. The at least one optical
15 fiber receives electromagnetic waves along at least a portion
of its length and a reflective surface disposed at the first end
of the fiber directs light generated within the fiber to the
second end. In accordance with a related embodiment, the at
least optical fiber may be a wave-shifting fiber. In accor
dance with another related embodiment; the at least one
optical fiber may be a scintillating fiber. The light source
may further include at least one electromagnetic wave
Source disposed along at least a portion of the length of the
fiber. The at least one electromagnetic wave source transmits
25 electromagnetic waves through a side Surface of the fiber.
In accordance with a further related embodiment, the at
least one optical fiber may be arranged in a sheet. Similarly,
the at least one optical fiber may be arranged in a coil. In
accordance with another related embodiment, the light
30 Source may also include a housing for containing the at least
one optical fiber and the at least one electromagnetic wave
source and the housing may include the reflective surface.
The light Source may also include at least one lens for
receiving light emitted from the second end of the fiber. The
35 at least one electromagnetic wave source may emit electro
magnetic waves in the ultra-violet, visible or infrared range
of the electromagnetic wave spectrum. In accordance with
another related embodiment, the light Source may also
include a controller for changing the intensity of the at least
40 one electromagnetic wave source.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
a display device includes at least one optical fiber having a
length and first and second ends and at least one electro
magnetic wave source disposed along at least a portion of
45 the length of the fiber for transmitting electromagnetic
waves through a side surface of the fiber. The at least one
optical fiber generates light and transmits the light along its
length upon absorbing at least a portion of the electromag
netic waves. A modulator receives light emitted from the
50 second end of the at least one optical fiber and forms an
image. The at least one optical fiber may be a wave-shifting
fiber or a scintillating fiber.
In accordance with related embodiments, the display
device may also include a reflective surface disposed at the
55 first end of the at least one fiber for directing light generated
within the at least one optical fiber toward the second end.
Similarly, the display device may include at least one lens
for receiving light emitted from the second end of the fiber
and transmitting light to the modulator. The at least one
60 electromagnetic wave source may emit electromagnetic
waves in the ultra-violet, visible or infrared range of the
electromagnetic wave spectrum. In accordance with another
related embodiment, the display device may include a con
troller for changing the intensity of the at least one electro
65 magnetic wave source and/or a screen on which the image
is displayed. Further, at least one lens may receive light
emitted by the modulator and transmit light to the screen. In
 US 7,146,084 B2
3 4
accordance with further related embodiments, the at least
one optical fiber may be arranged in a sheet. Similarly, the
at least one optical fiber may be arranged in a coil.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,
a heads-up display includes at least one optical fiber having
a length and first and second ends and at least one electro
magnetic wave source disposed along at least a portion of
the length of the fiber for transmitting electromagnetic
waves through a side surface of the fiber. A modulator
receives light emitted from the second end of the at least one
optical fiber and a combining glass receives light emitted by
the modulator. The combining glass is coated with a reflec
tive coating. The at least one optical fiber may be a wave
shifting fiber or a scintillating fiber. Similarly, the at least
optical fiber may be arranged in a sheet or it may be arranged
in a coil.
In accordance with a related embodiment, the head-up
display also includes a reflective surface disposed at the first
end of the fiber for directing light generated within the fiber
toward the second end. The heads-up display may further
include at least one lens for receiving light emitted from the
second end of the fiber and transmitting light to the modu
lator. In accordance with a further related embodiment, the
heads-up display may also include a diffuser for receiving
light emitted from the modulator and transmitting light to
the combining glass and/or at least one lens for receiving
light emitted from the diffuser and transmitting light to the
combining glass. In accordance with another related
embodiment, the at least one optical fiber absorbs electro
magnetic waves in the ultra-violet range of the electromag
netic wave spectrum and emits green light.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
a light source includes at least one optical fiber having a
length and first and second ends and at least one electro
magnetic wave source disposed along at least a portion of
the length of the fiber for transmitting electromagnetic
waves through a side surface of the fiber. The at least one
optical fiber generates light and transmits the light along its
length upon absorbing at least a portion of the electromag
netic waves. The light source also includes means for
changing the intensity of light emitted from the second end
of the fiber. In accordance with related embodiments, the at
least one optical fiber may be a wave-shifting fiber or a
Scintillating fiber. Further, the means for changing the inten
sity of light emitted from the second end of the at least one
optical fiber may include dimming the at least one electro
magnetic wave source. In accordance with a further related
embodiment, the light source includes at least two electro
magnetic wave sources and the means for changing the
intensity of light emitted from the second end of the at least
one fiber includes selectively turning the electromagnetic
wave sources off or on.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,
a method for producing light for a display includes trans
mitting at least one electromagnetic wave to at least one
optical fiber, the at least one optical fiber having a length and
first and second ends, such that the at least one electromag
netic wave is received along at least a portion of the length
of the fiber. The light transmitted from either the first or
second end of the at least one optical fiber is then reflected
back into the fiber.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
a light source includes at least one doped glass device having
a length and first and second ends. The at least one doped
glass device receives at least one electromagnetic wave
along at least a portion of its length, and a reflective Surface
disposed at the first end of the at least one doped glass device
directs light generated within the doped glass device to the
second end. In accordance with related embodiments, the at
least one doped glass device may include a glass device
doped with a lanthanide. In accordance with further related
5 embodiments, the at least one doped glass device may
include a doped glass rod. The at least one doped glass
device may be arranged in a sheet or arranged in a coil. The
lanthanide may be Europium or Terbium.
10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing features of the invention will be more
readily understood by reference to the following detailed
description, taken with reference to the accompanying draw
15 ings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of an optical fiber having
scintillating or wave shifting properties wherein the fiber is
illuminated along its length;
FIG. 2 is graphical illustration of a light Source in accor
dance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a graphical illustration of a display device in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of a Heads-up display in
25 accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a graphical illustration of a light source in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a graphical illustration of a side view of light
source in accordance with a further embodiment of the
30 invention; and
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the light source of FIG.
6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC
35 EMBODIMENTS
Definitions. As used in this description and the accom
panying claims, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated, unless the context otherwise requires:
40
As used here, the term “wave shifting fiber” refers to an
optical fiber which absorbs an electromagnetic wave and
emits an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength longer
than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave absorbed.
45 Wave shifting fibers have an indefinite half life within a
specified operation and temperature range. They can typi
cally absorb electromagnetic waves anywhere within the
ultra-violet to infrared range of the electromagnetic spec
trum.
50 “Scintillating fiber' refers to an optical fiber which
absorbs an electromagnetic wave having any wavelength
and emits an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength
longer than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave
absorbed. Scintillating fibers have a shorter half life than
55 wave shifting fibers.
FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of an optical fiber having
scintillating or wave shifting properties wherein the fiber is
illuminated along at least a portion of its length rather than
through one of the ends 106 and 102 of the fiber. Electro
60 magnetic waves from electromagnetic wave sources 101 are
absorbed through the sides 112 (or circumference) of the
fiber 103 which causes light 104 to be emitted from the ends
of the fiber 103. Electromagnetic waves emitted from the
electromagnetic wave sources 101: may be in the ultraviolet,
65 visible or infrared ranges of the electromagnetic wave
spectrum. (Although three electromagnetic wave sources
101 are illustrated in connection with FIGS. 1–5, any
 US 7,146,084 B2
5 6
number of electromagnetic wave sources 101 may be dis
posed anywhere along the circumference 112 of the fiber
103.
FIG. 2 is a graphical illustration of a light source in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The light source includes one or more optical fibers 203
having wave-shifting or Scintilating properties. In accor
dance with this embodiment of the invention, the optical
fiber 203 is cylindrical, and the diameter of the individual
fiber (or array of fibers) 203 defines the diameter of the
initial aperture of the light source. However, the cross
sectional shape of the fiber 203 is arbitrary in that it may be
circular, square, rectangular or any other geometric shape.
The aperture of the light source may be expanded or reduced
with conventional imaging or non-imaging optical elements
205. Each fiber 203 can be made with clear, fluorescent,
Scintillating, or other wavelength shifting compounds.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
a doped glass device may be used in lieu of the optic fiber
203. For example, a glass rod doped with any one of the
elements of the lanthanide series which fluoresces, for
example, Europium or Terbium, may be substituted for the
optical fiber.
When using a plurality of optical fibers, the fibers may be
arranged as sheet, a matrix of identical optical fibers, as a
matrix of individually colored optical fibers, or a matrix of
broad-spectrum (e.g., white light) colored optical fibers.
Such matrices may be enclosed in a cladding or jacket as is
known in the art. Further, the fiber 203 may be arranged in
a coil. Similarly, the doped glass device may be formed a
rod, a sheet, a matrix of doped glass devices or as a coil.
The optical fiber (or doped glass device) 203 is illumi
nated along at least a portion of the length of the fiber 203,
instead of only through ends 206 and 202 of the fibers as is
commonly practiced. Light is transmitted through a side
surface of the optical fiber. In the case of a cylindrical fiber
or a doped glass rod, the fiber or doped glass is illuminated
through the circumference 212 as shown in FIG. 2, and in
the case of a rectangular fiber or doped glass device, the fiber
or doped glass device may be illuminated through one or
more of its sides. In this manner, the optical fiber 203 or
doped glass device is able to capture electromagnetic waves
from the one or more wave sources 201 and transmit light to
one or both of the ends 206 and 202 in order to create a light
source at each of the ends 206, and 201 of the fiber 203 or
doped glass device. In the case of both wave shifting and
scintillating optical fibers, broad-band illumination devices
such as broad-band ultra-violet Light-Emitting-Diodes
(“LEDs), or broad-band white LEDs, or broad-band infra
red LEDs, or any combination of illuminating devices can be
used as the electromagnetic wave sources 201 to illuminate
the fiber. Similarly, the electromagnetic wave sources 201
may include Solar sources. Such as direct or channeled
Sunlight.
If the optical fiber 203 or doped glass device and the one
or more electromagnetic wave sources 201 are contained
within a housing (not shown) that will reflect the electro
magnetic waves that are not absorbed by the fiber 203 back
into the fiber 203, then more of the electromagnetic waves
from each source 201 can be absorbed by the fiber or 203 or
doped glass device. Further, since many applications only
need light from one end, such as end 206, a reflective surface
(such as a mirror or reflective coating) 204 may placed at the
other end 202 of the optical fiber 203 or doped glass device
to reflect light back into the fiber 203 for transmission to end
206. The mirror or reflective coating 204 prevents the loss of
generated light initially directed away from the output end
206 by redirecting it toward the output end 206. Because
many dopants do not re-absorb the light at the emitted
wavelength, the light will travel the length of the fiber 203
with minimal loss to end 206. A collimator or collimating
imaging or non-imaging lens 209 may be used to capture
light from diffusion device 205 to collimate and expand the
light in accordance with a desired aperture.
FIG. 3 is a graphical illustration of a display device in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
10 display device includes one or more optical fibers 303
having wave-shifting or Scintillating properties and one or
more electromagnetic wave sources 301 arranged to provide
illumination along at least a portion of the length of the
fibers 303 in the manner described with respect to FIG. 2.
15 (Here again, a doped glass device as described above may be
substituted for the optical fiber) The entire length or any
portion of the length may be illuminated through any or all
sides 312 of the fiber 303. Light emitted from the fiber 303
is collected and re-imaged by relay optics 309 to the correct
beam size and divergence angle. The modulator 307 may
include but is not restricted to a digital micro-mirror device
(“DMD), liquid crystal on silicon device (“LCOS) or any
one of various liquid crystal display devices (“LCDs).
The image from the modulator 307 could be re-imaged
25 onto a diffuser screen 308 to increase the numerical aperture
and thus the viewing angle. The screen 308 may be glass,
plastic or other lambertian diffusers. Additional lenses or
relay optics may be disposed between the modulator and
diffusion screen to, for example, manipulate the image to the
30 desired size and/or focus. For a conventional heads-up
display (as shown in FIG. 4), the image from the diffuser
screen 308 or modulator 307 may be projected through
head-up optics or projected through conventional optics onto
a combiner. Imaging fiber optic bundles could also be used
35 to bring the modulated image to the heads-up optics. A
reflective surface such as reflective surface or coating 204
may be placed at one end 302 of the fiber 303 to reflect light
back into the fiberas shown in FIG. 2. Referring now to FIG.
4, it is seen that light from the screen may be projected onto
40 a combining glass 414, or translucent Surface as in a
heads-up display. Such a heads-up display may be mounted
in a helmet or in the cockpit of an aircraft or elsewhere as
is known in the art. As in the display described in accordance
with FIG. 3 above, the heads-up display includes one or
45 more optical fibers 403 having wave-shifting or scintillating
properties (or one or more doped glass devices as described
above) and one or more electromagnetic wave sources 401
arranged along at least a portion of the length of the fibers.
As noted in the embodiments above, a reflective surface or
50 coating 404 may be placed at one end 402 of the fiber to
reflect light back into the fiber 403. Light emitted from the
other end 406 of the fiber 403 is collected and re-imaged by
relay optics 409 to the correct beam size and divergence
angle. A modulator 407 forms an image via diffuser 405 and
55 projection, relay or heads-up optics 413 then projects the
light to a combining glass 414 which has at least a partially
reflective coating 411.
The light intensity from the optical fiber is directly
proportional to the intensity of the electromagnetic wave
60 Source. Thus, as the electromagnetic wave source is
dimmed, the amount of light emitted at the end of the optical
fiber will reduce. Conversely, as the electromagnetic wave
Source intensifies, the amount of light emitted at the end of
the fiber will increase. FIG. 5 is a graphical illustration of a
65 light source in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention. In accordance with this embodiment; the light
source includes at least one optical fiber 503 (or one or more
 US 7,146,084 B2
7 8
doped glass device) with one or more electromagnetic wave
sources 501 disposed along at least a portion the length of
the fiber 503 for transmitting electromagnetic waves to the
fiber. Means for changing the intensity of light emitted from
the other end of the fiber 503 may include a controller 510
for dimming the electromagnetic wave sources 501, either
individually or as a group. Additionally, a variable aperture
505 could be used with the illumination optics 509 to further
control the fiber source intensity. Further, one or more of the
electromagnetic wave sources may be selectively turned on
or off to vary the intensity of the light emitted by the optical
fiber or doped glass device.
FIG. 6 and is a graphical illustration of a side view of a
light source in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention and FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the
embodiment of FIG. 6. A cylindrical optical fiber or doped
glass rod is arranged in a coil 603 about one or more
electromagnetic wave sources 601. In this embodiment, the
electromagnetic wave sources 601 include ultra-violet LED
rings. A reflective surface 604 surrounds the optical fiber or
doped glass coil 603. The reflective surface 604 prevents the
loss of generated light initially directed away from the
output end 606 by redirecting it back into the coil. By
arranging the optical fiber or doped glass rod in a coil, an
empty area 610 is formed in the interior of the coil 603
which may provide a heat sink. The area 610 may include
Some type of Solid or fluid coolant such as a metal heat sink
or a refrigerant to keep the light Source from overheating.
Alternatively, the area 610 may include additional electron
ics such as electronics to power and control the light source
and/or modulator. In FIG. 6, the coil 603 is shown relatively
short in order to clarify drawing of the inner components,
however, both the coil 603 and the ultra-violet LED rings
may be extended to increase the output of the assembly.
The light sources and devices described above are capable
of producing high intensity light, in the range of 5,000-50,
000 ft. lamberts (more particularly, 5,000–20,000 ft. lam
berts), for a heads-up display without the use of lasers.
Consequently, damage to human eyes as caused by lasers is
avoided and competition from sunlight is nullified. Since
wave-shifting and Scintillating fibers are temperature invari
ant, the light sources described above are not affected by
variations in temperatures. Additionally, by employing
wave-shifting fibers as the optical fibers or one or more
doped glass devices in the light Source, a heads-up or other
display device may last anywhere from 10,000–25,000
hours. It is also possible to couple ambient Sunlight into the
fiber to assist in increasing display brightness in bright
daylight.
Although, in the devices and methods described herein
above, electromagnetic wave sources are described as LEDs,
other types of electromagnetic wave sources may be used,
Such as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs or lamps, or when
the fiber comprises Scintillating fibers, electron guns, Kauf
man guns, or any apparatus that produces electromagnetic
waves having wavelengths Smaller than those in the ultra
violet range of the electromagnetic wave spectrum. For
example, the electromagnetic wave sources may even be an
ultra-violet laser as the electromagnetic waves from Such an
ultra-violet laser will be absorbed by the optical fiber or
doped glass material and re-emitted. Further it will be
appreciated that the light sources described above may be
used in a variety of projected displays, particularly those that
must be very bright, such as aircraft heads-up displays,
helmet-mounted displays, cockpit displays, computer pro
jectors, cinematic projectors, etc. Further Such displays can
all utilize light modulators such as an LCD to create an
image.
It will be further understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art that other modifications can be made without departing
from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as set forth in
the claims below.
What is claimed is:
1. A heads-up display comprising:
10 at least one optical fiber having a length and first and
second ends;
at least one electromagnetic wave source disposed along
at least a portion of the length of the fiber for trans
mitting electromagnetic waves through a side Surface
15 of the fiber, wherein the at least one electromagnetic
wave source is an ultra-violet light emitting diode, a
white light emitting diode, an infra-red light emitting
diode or a combination thereof;
a modulator for receiving light emitted from the second
end of the fiber;
a combining glass for receiving light emitted by the
modulator, the combining glass being coated with a
reflective coating; and
a diffuser for receiving light emitted from the modulator
25 and transmitting light to the combining glass.
2. Aheads-up display according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one optical fiber is a wave-shifling fiber.
3. Aheads-up display according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one optical fiber is a scintillating fiber.
30 4. Aheads-up display according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one optical fiber is arranged in a sheet.
5. A heads-up display according to claim 1, further
comprising a reflective Surface disposed at the first end of
the at least one fiber for directing light generated within the
35 fiber toward the second end.
6. A heads-up display according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one lens for receiving light emitted from
the second end of the at least one fiber and transmitting light
to the modulator.
40 7. A heads-up display according the claim 1, wherein the
at least one optical fiber absorbs electromagnetic waves in
the ultra-violet range of the electromagnetic wave spectrum
and emits green light.
8. Aheads-up display according to claim 1, wherein the at
45 least one optical fiber is arranged in a coil.
9. A light source comprising:
at least one optical fiber having a length and first and
second ends;
at least one electromagnetic wave source disposed along
50 at least a portion of the length of the fiber for trans
mitting electromagnetic waves through a side Surface
of the fiber, wherein the at least one electromagnetic
wave source is an ultra-violet light emitting diode, a
white light emitting diode, an infra-red light emitting
55 diode or a combination thereof, the optical fibergen
erating light and transmitting the light along its length
upon absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic
waves; and
means for changing the intensity of light emitted from the
60 second end of the fiber.
10. A light source according to claim 9, wherein the at
least one optical fiber is a wave-shifting fiber.
11. A light source according to claim 9, wherein the at
least one optical fiber is a scintillating fiber.
65 12. A light source according to claim 9 comprising:
at least one optical fiber having a length and first and
second ends;
 US 7,146,084 B2
9 10
at least one electromagnetic wave source disposed along
at least a portion of the length of the fiber for trans
mitting electromagnetic waves through a side Surface
of the fiber, the optical fiber generating light and
transmitting the light along its length upon absorbing at
least a portion of the electromagnetic waves; and
means for changing the intensity of light emitted from the
second end of the fiber,
wherein the means for changing the intensity of light
emitted from the second end of the at least one fiber
includes dimming the at least one electromagnetic
WaV SOUC.
13. A light source comprising:
at least one optical fiber having a length and first and
second ends;
at least one electromagnetic wave source disposed along
at least a portion of the length of the fiber for trans
mitting electromagnetic waves through a side Surface
of the fiber, the optical fiber generating light and
transmitting the light along its length upon absorbing at
least a portion of the electromagnetic waves;
means for changing the intensity of light emitted from the
second end of the fiber, and
at least two electromagnetic waves sources and wherein
the means for changing the intensity of light emitted
from the second end of the at least one optical fiber
includes selectively turning the electromagnetic wave
Sources off or on.
14. A method for producing light for a display, the method
comprising:
transmitting at least one electromagnetic wave to at least
one optical fiber, the at least one optical fiber having a
length and first and second ends, such that the at least
one electromagnetic waves is received along at least a
portion of the length of the fiber;
reflecting light transmitted to the first end of the at least
one optical fiber back into the fiber; and
forming an image on the display with light transmitted
from the second end of the at least one optical fiber.
15. A light source for a display comprising:
at least one doped glass device having a length and first
and second ends, the at least one doped glass device
receiving electromagnetic waves along at least a por
tion of its length; afid
a reflective surface disposed at the first end of the doped
glass device for directing light generated within the
doped glass device to the second end; and
an image generator for receiving light from the second
end of the doped glass device.
16. A light source according to claim 15, wherein the at
least one doped glass device includes a glass device doped
with a lanthanide.
17. A light source according to claim 16, wherein the at
least one doped glass device is doped with Europium.
18. A light source according to claim 16, wherein the at
least one doped glass device is doped with Terbium.
19. A light source according to claim 15, wherein the at
least one doped glass device includes a doped glass rod.
20. A light source according to claim 15, wherein the at
least one doped glass device is arranged in a sheet.
21. A light source according to claim 15, wherein the at
least one doped glass device is arranged in a coil.
22. A heads-up display according to claim 1, wherein the
heads-up display is mounted in a helmet.
23. A heads-up display according to claim 1, wherein the
heads-up display is mounted in the cockpit of an aircraft.
24. A heads-up display comprising:
at least one optical fiber having a length and first and
second ends;
at least one electromagnetic wave source disposed along
at least a portion of the length of the fiber for trans
mitting electromagnetic waves through a side Surface
of the fiber, wherein the at least one electromagnetic
wave source is an ultra-violet light emitting diode, a
white light emitting diode, an infra-red light emitting
10 diode or a combination thereof
at least one lens for receiving light emitted from the
second end of the at least one fiber and transmitting
light to a modulator, and
a combining glass for receiving light emitted by the
15 modulator, the combining glass being coated with a
reflective coating.
25. A heads-up display according to claim 24, further
comprising a diffuser for receiving light emitted from the
modulator and transmitting light to the combining glass.
26. A heads-up display according to claim 24, wherein the
at least one optical fiber is a wave-shifting fiber.
27. A heads-up display according to claim 24, wherein the
at least one optical fiber is a scintillating fiber.
28. A heads-up display according to claim 24, wherein the
25 at least one optical fiber is arranged in a sheet.
29. A heads-up display according to claim 24, further
comprising a reflective Surface disposed at the first end of
the at least one fiber for directing light generated within the
fiber toward the second end.
30 30. A heads-up display according the claim 24, wherein
the at least one optical fiber absorbs electromagnetic waves
in the ultra-violet range of the electromagnetic wave spec
trum and emits green light.
31. A heads-up display according to claim 24, wherein the
35 at least one optical fiber is arranged in a coil.
32. The heads-up display according to claim 1, wherein
the at least one electromagnetic wave source is a plurality of
light emitting diodes.
33. The heads-up display according to claim 32, wherein
40 the at least one electromagnetic wave source is a ring of light
emitting diodes that Surround the at least one optical fiber.
34. A heads-up display comprising:
at least one optical fiber having a length, a side Surface, a
first end and a second end, wherein the at least one
45 optical fiber is arranged in a coil, the coil forming an
interior area;
at least one electromagnetic wave source disposed in the
interior area along at least a portion of the length of the
optical fiber for transmitting electromagnetic waves
50 through the side surface of the optical fiber;
a modulator for receiving light emitted from the second
end of the optical fiber;
a combining glass for receiving light emitted by the
modulator, the combining glass being coated with a
55 reflective coating; and
a coolant disposed in the interior area.
35. The heads-up display according to claim 34 further
comprising an annular reflective Surface that Surrounds at
least a portion of the coil.
60 36. The heads-up display according to claim 34 further
comprising electronics disposed in the interior area for
controlling the at least one electromagnetic wave source, the
modulator, or both.
37. The heads-up display according to claim 34 further
65 comprising electronics disposed in the interior area for
powering the at least one electromagnetic wave source, the
modulator, or both.
 US 7,146,084 B2
11
38. The heads-up display according to claim 34, wherein
the at least one electromagnetic wave source is an ultra
violet light emitting diode, a white light emitting diode, an
infra-red light emitting diode or a combination thereof.
39. The heads-up display according to claim 38, wherein
the at least one electromagnetic wave source is a plurality of
light emitting diodes.
40. The heads-up display according to claim 39, wherein
the plurality of light emitting diodes is formed in a ring.
41. A heads-up display comprising:
at least one optical fiber having a length, a side Surface, a
first end and a second end, wherein the at least one
optical fiber is arranged in a coil, the coil forming an
interior area;
12
at least one electromagnetic wave source disposed in the
interior area along at least a portion of the length of the
optical fiber for transmitting electromagnetic waves
through the side surface of the optical fiber;
5 a modulator for receiving light emitted from the second
end of the optical fiber;
a combining glass for receiving light emitted by the
modulator, the combining glass being coated with a
reflective coating; and
10 an annular reflective surface Surrounding at least a portion
of the coil to reflect the electromagnetic waves back
into the at least one optical fiber.
k k k k k
 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO. : 7,146,084 B2 Page 1 of 1

APPLICATION NO. : 10/462468
DATED : December 5, 2006
INVENTOR(S) : Robert Atac et al.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is
hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 8, line 65
replace “source according to claim 9 comprising
With --Source comprising--.
Col. 9, line 44
replace “its length; afid
With -its length:--.
Col. 10, line 10
replace “combination thereof
with --combination thereof.--.

Signed and Sealed this

Thirtieth Day of January, 2007

WDJ
JON. W. DUDAS
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office